Since 2018, the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project has worked to uncover the state’s legacy of racial terror, documenting dozens of lynchings that were long ignored or forgotten. Its leaders say reckoning with these truths is essential to healing—and to preventing history from repeating itself.
Category: NEWS
Posted inAfro Briefs
Morning Glory Homestead: Cultivating history, heritage and hospitality
On St. Helena Island in South Carolina, Anthony and Belinda Jones have transformed their ancestral farm into a living classroom and cultural retreat. Through immersive camping experiences, storytelling, traditional meals and educational programs, they celebrate and preserve Gullah heritage while sustaining their family farm.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Protecting Moses African Cemetery: Residents return to court to safeguard the remains of Bethesda’s historic Black community
The headline says it all. Black bodies are buried underground in wealthy, well-educated, multi-ethnic, Bethesda, Maryland. This is a story you won’t believe is true – right next door to the nation’s capital. But it’s true.
Posted inHBCU
Howard University partners with Google to launch AI speech recognition initiative
Howard University President Ben Vincent III touts groundbreaking initiative to include Black dialect in artificial intelligence (AI) development.
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Why we paused—and why getting BLocal right matters for the Baltimore region
Greater Baltimore Committee president and CEO Mark Anthony Thomas explains why the organization paused BLocal to restructure it as a long-term, scalable initiative aimed at boosting local hiring, procurement and investment across the region.
Posted inBaltimore County Government
Community advocates push for fairness as Baltimore County redistricting plan heads toward council vote
Baltimore County’s Redistricting Commission has released its recommendations for redrawing council districts following the county’s expansion from seven to nine seats. While the commission proposes two majority-Black and two other minority districts, local leaders and activists—including the NAACP and the Westside Coalition—continue to push for more equitable representation, expressing concern that communities like Woodlawn remain fragmented and underrepresented.
Posted inWord In Black
Toxic legacy: How lead in schools is silently harming kids
Aging school infrastructure continues to expose Black children to toxic lead, with cities like Cleveland and Milwaukee reporting some of the highest contamination rates. Experts warn the damage from lead exposure is irreversible, yet many schools in Black and low-income communities remain dangerously unaddressed.
Posted inDMV News
UniverSoul Circus brings culture, creativity and high-flying thrills to the D.C. area
The UniverSoul Circus, currently performing at National Harbor until Aug. 10 before heading to Baltimore, offers a high-energy, multicultural experience filled with breathtaking acts and audience participation. More than just entertainment, the show celebrates Black culture and creativity, honoring its legacy and impact on generations of families.
Posted inNational News
MPD under fire for promoting officer who killed Amir Locke
Community members condemned the Minneapolis Police Department for appointing Sgt. Mark Hanneman—who killed Amir Locke in a 2022 no-knock raid—as a use-of-force training officer. Activists called the move disrespectful and demanded accountability from city leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey.
Posted inBaltimore News
A look at how Gloria Nelson continues to advocate for Turner Station
Gloria Nelson is dedicated to preserving Turner Station’s legacy while advocating for its future. Once a thriving Black community, the neighborhood faces challenges, but Nelson leads efforts to revitalize it. Through partnerships and advocacy, she works to improve sustainability, housing and economic opportunities, ensuring Turner Station endures for generations.
Posted inNAACP
Turmoil grips Baltimore City NAACP
Amid ongoing tensions within the NAACP, the Baltimore City branch of the NAACP released a statement criticizing the national board’s handling of its administrative oversight and the internal investigations of the branch’s top leaders. The branch claims the national office has been largely inactive in helping restore full operations, instead stifling its efforts.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Supporting D.C. youth after incarceration: A second chance at success
By DaQuan LawrenceAFRO International WriterDLawrence@afro.com Although there was a 75 percent decline in national youth incarceration between 2000-2022, at the end of 2022 there were approximately 27,587 youth offenders held at 1,277 juvenile facilities across the United States, including detention centers, residential treatment centers, group homes and youth prisons, according to the Office of Juvenile […]